Always an Open Door

"With what shall I come before God, and bow myself before God on high? God has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does God require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:6,8)

Sometimes an open door is all you need. You're not looking for a church to tell you its own version of right and wrong.

Reconnect your spirit without disconnecting your mind.

You're not looking for a church that has all the answers. Or a church that includes only the right kind of people. You're looking for a church where you can bring your doubts,your questions, your fears, and find a welcoming, open community willing to share them.

The doors to our churches are always open and within, you will find a quiet place for prayer and a nurturing community ready to help you find your voice and your vocation to the world in Christ's name. Come and see.

Christmas

Christmas is more than simply marking a 2000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God; the revelation of God in Christ whereby all creation might be reconciled to God; a process in which we now participate, the consummation of which we anticipate. It is the basis for the reversal of worldly values and a new lifestyle of service, servanthood, and humility.

Despite our earthly perceptions of the state of things, we are called into a “Kingdom Consciousness,” living out that life of service, servanthood, and humility as if the Kingdom were already in place, because it is.

A life of holy living arises from a profound sense that we live "between the times" and are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God's people. The spirit of Advent is wrapped up in three words: anticipation, preparation, and longing. We hope for a God who has heard the cries of the oppressed and anticipate a King who will rule with justice, truth, and righteousness over the people and creation. Isaiah reminded the people, and us, that God would ultimately reconcile all things and the Kingdom of Heaven would reign forever. God sends out word to comfort His people. A time is coming when all will see this wondrous thing.

God is true, God is faithful to God's promise, and we are called to be patient and hold on to the promise in spite of the seeming reluctance of life to go along. There is only one thing to do, and Isaiah calls us to that. Trust in the promise of that birth so long ago - that God would be with us wherever we are and in whatever circumstances we might find ourselves. Live and work a Kingdom life, loving and serving others with all your heart and might. This is how God is manifested to the world this Christmas and in the days to come. It is in this way that Isaiah's words come alive: "Get you up to a high mountain, lift up your voice with strength and do not fear. Say unto the cities of Judah, 'Behold, your God!'"

It's in the Bag! Needs You!

It's in the Bag! is growing and needs your help to provide food for at-risk children in the elementary schools of Garrett County. Your donation in any amount will help feed a hungry child over the weekend during the school year. Children who are well fed over the weekend show up at school on Monday ready to learn and studies show that these children do better when they are well nourished. A donation of $280 will feed a child for the entire school year. We're working to raise $15,000 between now and the start of the new school year. Will you help? Click on the donate button and you will be responsible for a child ready to be educated and grow.